I have learned so much about photography since my early days of photographing my wife. No, don't even ask. I used to think I had all the answers. Just pick myself up the latest and greatest camera and I was off to the races. Then I couldn't understand why my photos looked like garbage. Well, I quickly learned that it's all about lighting. I don't care how great your camera is. If you don't have sufficient lighting, your photos are only going to be so good. This article is going to give you some personal tips that I've picked up over the years that have greatly helped me make the most of my digital photos.
For starters, the time of day when you take your photos greatly matters. There is a huge difference between natural sunlight and the light that comes from your halogen lamps or whatever source it is that you're using. For example, I can take a photo inside my living room, with absolutely no lights on at all, just the window shades wide open, and end up with crystal clear photos. This will be true with the cheapest digital camera all the way to the most expensive top of the line model. As a matter of fact, you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference between the two as long as the megapixels of each are about the same. Natural daylight does wonders for your photos.
Okay, but what if you're taking photos at night? Well, then you're going to have to depend on good lighting. The flash of your digital camera, especially if it's a built in flash, is only going to do so much. Many times, with poor lighting, you'll end up with photos that are either very dark or grainy or both. This is what used to drive me crazy with my early photos. What I have found is that halogen lights are great if you simply want photos that are bright and crystal clear. If they're white halogen, don't expect very soft or colorful photos as the white light kind of washes them out. But they will be bright and clear. Just make sure the light is focused on the subject from the side. Either side will be fine. Anything but directly behind as the light will end up in the line of site of the photo. You don't want that.
If you want softer photos, you need different color lights. There's a resource in my signature that goes into all that stuff. You can read my review of it at my blog.
I never used to like taking photos. But these days, taking great looking photos is a breeze.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Tricks with Filter, Flash and Zoom
Sometimes you have to make do with what you have. Not everybody has the latest equipment or the coolest toys. Fear not. You can actually take some really great photos without being a pro and have the best of the best. I'm known as a real cheap skate and yet I still take photos that are crystal clear and sharp as a tack. Just take a look at the photo of me at this directory. That was done with a cheap $99 camera and no flash. This article is going to give you some tricks you can use to get some really nice effects.
The first one is for shooting photos outdoors in the bright sunlight. As you know, bright sunlight can really play havoc on your photos because of the glare. In these cases, it's best to use a polarizing filter. The problem is, these filters aren't cheap and some digital cameras don't come equipped to handle filters. So what do you do? I got a simple and cheap solution for you. Get yourself a cheap pair of sunglasses, ala ZZ Top fame, and place them over the lens before you take the photo. Instant polarizing filter and you'll get some really great shots.
Here's another cool one that you'll like. Have you ever considered taking photos outdoors and using your flash? You can do this. Yeah, I know, most cameras are defaulted to using flash only when you need it. But this can be overridden in many cameras. If you manually take control over using your flash, you can use it any time you like, even outdoors. This can produce some really cool effects, either by placing your subject out in the glaring sun or in the shade. You will notice a kind of a shine to your photos. Try it sometime.
My last cool trick for this article is on close up shots. This is where thinking outside the box can really come in handy. There is a world out there that most people never take the time to explore. It's no wonder with how chaotic our lives can be. But one day, do yourself a favor. Go out to your backyard and start digging through the dirt, plants, weeds, whatever. Activate your zoom and start taking photos of nature. You'll be taking photographs that will look as professional as some of the great nature photographers of our time...even with a cheap $99 camera.
These are just a few of the many great things you can do with a cheap digital camera and some ingenuity.
The first one is for shooting photos outdoors in the bright sunlight. As you know, bright sunlight can really play havoc on your photos because of the glare. In these cases, it's best to use a polarizing filter. The problem is, these filters aren't cheap and some digital cameras don't come equipped to handle filters. So what do you do? I got a simple and cheap solution for you. Get yourself a cheap pair of sunglasses, ala ZZ Top fame, and place them over the lens before you take the photo. Instant polarizing filter and you'll get some really great shots.
Here's another cool one that you'll like. Have you ever considered taking photos outdoors and using your flash? You can do this. Yeah, I know, most cameras are defaulted to using flash only when you need it. But this can be overridden in many cameras. If you manually take control over using your flash, you can use it any time you like, even outdoors. This can produce some really cool effects, either by placing your subject out in the glaring sun or in the shade. You will notice a kind of a shine to your photos. Try it sometime.
My last cool trick for this article is on close up shots. This is where thinking outside the box can really come in handy. There is a world out there that most people never take the time to explore. It's no wonder with how chaotic our lives can be. But one day, do yourself a favor. Go out to your backyard and start digging through the dirt, plants, weeds, whatever. Activate your zoom and start taking photos of nature. You'll be taking photographs that will look as professional as some of the great nature photographers of our time...even with a cheap $99 camera.
These are just a few of the many great things you can do with a cheap digital camera and some ingenuity.
3 Most Critical Items for Digital Photography
Believe it or not, unless you've got a real high end camera, the most important thing to taking quality digital photos is lighting. Have you ever taken photos with a fair to poor digital camera and yet had such great lighting that the photos came out great? I have. As a matter of fact, when I had my Mustek, I found that setting up some killer lighting made that camera sing. But take the lighting away and you ended up with the most grainy and color washed out photos you can imagine. Lighting made all the difference. That's why I put that on the top of the list, even above the camera itself. So if you're on a limited budget and can't afford a great camera, make sure you have enough light.
Next to lighting is of course the camera itself. Naturally, the better the camera, the better the quality of the photos. The problem is, how do you know what a great camera is? You can't just go by megapixels because each manufacturer has a different method by which they're represented. So a camera with 8 megapixels may actually not be as good in quality as a camera by another manufacturer with 6 megapixels. So do yourself a favor, read as many unbiased reviews of each camera you're thinking of buying. How can you tell an unbiased review? It's one where there's no affiliate link to the camera itself.
Finally, there is the skill of the photographer. Sadly, this is not something you can buy in a box. It's funny the things that I take for granted now, having taken photographs for so long. Things like centering your subject. I've seen some of my friends take photos where the subject is all the way to the left of the photo. It's almost criminal. Skill is something I picked up over time, however, it is something you can learn.
Below you'll find a review of a great book that will have you taking digital photos of great quality in no time. I wish this book had come out when I first started. It would have saved me a lot of time and effort.
Anyway, these are the three most critical items for quality digital photos.
At least two of them you can actually buy...Wait, make that three.
Next to lighting is of course the camera itself. Naturally, the better the camera, the better the quality of the photos. The problem is, how do you know what a great camera is? You can't just go by megapixels because each manufacturer has a different method by which they're represented. So a camera with 8 megapixels may actually not be as good in quality as a camera by another manufacturer with 6 megapixels. So do yourself a favor, read as many unbiased reviews of each camera you're thinking of buying. How can you tell an unbiased review? It's one where there's no affiliate link to the camera itself.
Finally, there is the skill of the photographer. Sadly, this is not something you can buy in a box. It's funny the things that I take for granted now, having taken photographs for so long. Things like centering your subject. I've seen some of my friends take photos where the subject is all the way to the left of the photo. It's almost criminal. Skill is something I picked up over time, however, it is something you can learn.
Below you'll find a review of a great book that will have you taking digital photos of great quality in no time. I wish this book had come out when I first started. It would have saved me a lot of time and effort.
Anyway, these are the three most critical items for quality digital photos.
At least two of them you can actually buy...Wait, make that three.
Removing The Backgrounds
Since the development of digital camera, photographers are able to adjust their pictures and that includes removing the background they dislike. As the technology matures, removing the background can be fast and easy.
But why do photographers want to remove the background?
Just to let you know, sometimes photographers are force to take their pictures.
Let's picture this, after a long wait, you finally snapped the take off of the grey falcon. But when you look back at the picture, you found that you accidentally snapped your fingertip along with the falcon.
Now, you will not get the same picture again. What are you going to do? Delete the once in a life time picture or remove the disturbing background?
If you are like any photographer, you will choose the latter.
Sometimes, the background looks just nice with your subject on the LCD screen. But when you see it as a picture, something is just not right. That is when you need to remove whatever is disturbing in the background to make your final picture looks better.
After much talk about removing the background, how do you do that?
The most popular way to do that is by using photo editing software.
Before the development of the software, photographers need to remove the background in the dark room. They need to use a special solution and monitor the process. If they are not careful, they might spoil the picture.
Today, there are a lot of photo editing software that can free you from this tedious job. Furthermore, they are so user friendly that even a non-professional can use it. Some software even allows you to plug in some codes for different purposes. After that, you will have more choices to alter the background.
Some internet users are willing to pay for photographs for their tasks. Now, with the help of the software, you can keep the subject and replace the background with what your clients need. If they want a grey falcon taking off from a building, you can easily swap the ledge with a building with the photo editing software.
But why do photographers want to remove the background?
Just to let you know, sometimes photographers are force to take their pictures.
Let's picture this, after a long wait, you finally snapped the take off of the grey falcon. But when you look back at the picture, you found that you accidentally snapped your fingertip along with the falcon.
Now, you will not get the same picture again. What are you going to do? Delete the once in a life time picture or remove the disturbing background?
If you are like any photographer, you will choose the latter.
Sometimes, the background looks just nice with your subject on the LCD screen. But when you see it as a picture, something is just not right. That is when you need to remove whatever is disturbing in the background to make your final picture looks better.
After much talk about removing the background, how do you do that?
The most popular way to do that is by using photo editing software.
Before the development of the software, photographers need to remove the background in the dark room. They need to use a special solution and monitor the process. If they are not careful, they might spoil the picture.
Today, there are a lot of photo editing software that can free you from this tedious job. Furthermore, they are so user friendly that even a non-professional can use it. Some software even allows you to plug in some codes for different purposes. After that, you will have more choices to alter the background.
Some internet users are willing to pay for photographs for their tasks. Now, with the help of the software, you can keep the subject and replace the background with what your clients need. If they want a grey falcon taking off from a building, you can easily swap the ledge with a building with the photo editing software.
Tips to taking Puppy Pictures
You should be able to find several indispensable facts about in the following paragraphs. If there's at least one fact you didn't know before, imagine the difference it might make.
When you think about photography, what do you think of first? Which aspects of photography are important, which are essential, and which ones can you take or leave? You be the judge.
It is advisable to know all the details in taking puppy pictures to avoid stress, as well as the possible catastrophe in the result of your photo shoot with your beloved pet. Knowing all there is to know about this project increases your chances of getting a perfect pet photo that you can brag to your friends and family members. There are ten tips you need to follow to get better puppy photos. Here is the list:
#1 Get Down To Their Level
Puppies are normally smaller in size than humans. If you want to get better shots, be sure to keep focus on them by kneeling or sitting while taking pictures. Photos turn out best if you get down to the puppy's level.
#2 Use A Simple And Plain - Colored Background
Settings may be one of the hindrances of better puppy pictures. Choosing colorful and abstract backgrounds will only add more confusion to the viewer. At times, your dogs might even get lost on the pictures you have taken. To time in up with exceeding photos, be sure to maintain the background simple.
#3 Use Flash Outdoors
Even if taking shots of your pet outdoors provide enough light to get a quality picture for your collection, you may still find that the flash feature of cameras helpful in taking your dog's photos. Try to experiment on this and see the difference it can produce in your pictures.
#4 Move In Closer
Pet's photos become more appealing if taken at closer angles. Because the pup's eyes may channel much feeling in the photograph, it is best to take up - close shots.
How can you put a limit on learning more? The next section may contain that one little bit of wisdom that changes everything.
#5 Try Observation Vertical
Most photographers are used to flush shots. Try taking vertical angles and see how tall your kid can look like in the pictures.
#6 Fuse The Focus
When taking your little pooch's pictures, be sure to make use of the focus. This is usually a green light signaling your camera when to capture the shot.
#7 Move Your Subjects To The Middle
Subjects are well expressed when focused at the middle. Although it's basically hard to make your dogs stay at the center, you can try capturing " middle shots " even when they're running around. Be sure to use the anti - blur feature for clearer images.
#8 Know The Camera's Flash Range
Before using the camera, get to know it better first. It is essential to know the flash range of your cameras so you'd know how far you can take pictures in case of insufficient lighting.
#9 Watch The Light
Lighting is one of the most important factors in taking puppy pictures. Be sure to cast an enough amount of light on the dog's photos to overpass over or underexposed images.
#10 Try To Become A Picture Editor
Right after capturing your pup's photos, you can transfer all your files in the computer and start editing. There are many software programs around which grant you to annul imperfections in the pictures you have taken. They are extremely beneficial for better images.
If you base what you do on inaccurate information, you might be unpleasantly surprised by the consequences. Make sure you get the whole photography story from informed sources.
Sometimes it's tough to sort out all the details related to this subject, but I'm positive you'll have no trouble making sense of the information presented above.
Knowing enough about to make solid, informed choices cuts down on the fear factor. If you apply what you've just learned about , you should have nothing to worry about.
When you think about photography, what do you think of first? Which aspects of photography are important, which are essential, and which ones can you take or leave? You be the judge.
It is advisable to know all the details in taking puppy pictures to avoid stress, as well as the possible catastrophe in the result of your photo shoot with your beloved pet. Knowing all there is to know about this project increases your chances of getting a perfect pet photo that you can brag to your friends and family members. There are ten tips you need to follow to get better puppy photos. Here is the list:
#1 Get Down To Their Level
Puppies are normally smaller in size than humans. If you want to get better shots, be sure to keep focus on them by kneeling or sitting while taking pictures. Photos turn out best if you get down to the puppy's level.
#2 Use A Simple And Plain - Colored Background
Settings may be one of the hindrances of better puppy pictures. Choosing colorful and abstract backgrounds will only add more confusion to the viewer. At times, your dogs might even get lost on the pictures you have taken. To time in up with exceeding photos, be sure to maintain the background simple.
#3 Use Flash Outdoors
Even if taking shots of your pet outdoors provide enough light to get a quality picture for your collection, you may still find that the flash feature of cameras helpful in taking your dog's photos. Try to experiment on this and see the difference it can produce in your pictures.
#4 Move In Closer
Pet's photos become more appealing if taken at closer angles. Because the pup's eyes may channel much feeling in the photograph, it is best to take up - close shots.
How can you put a limit on learning more? The next section may contain that one little bit of wisdom that changes everything.
#5 Try Observation Vertical
Most photographers are used to flush shots. Try taking vertical angles and see how tall your kid can look like in the pictures.
#6 Fuse The Focus
When taking your little pooch's pictures, be sure to make use of the focus. This is usually a green light signaling your camera when to capture the shot.
#7 Move Your Subjects To The Middle
Subjects are well expressed when focused at the middle. Although it's basically hard to make your dogs stay at the center, you can try capturing " middle shots " even when they're running around. Be sure to use the anti - blur feature for clearer images.
#8 Know The Camera's Flash Range
Before using the camera, get to know it better first. It is essential to know the flash range of your cameras so you'd know how far you can take pictures in case of insufficient lighting.
#9 Watch The Light
Lighting is one of the most important factors in taking puppy pictures. Be sure to cast an enough amount of light on the dog's photos to overpass over or underexposed images.
#10 Try To Become A Picture Editor
Right after capturing your pup's photos, you can transfer all your files in the computer and start editing. There are many software programs around which grant you to annul imperfections in the pictures you have taken. They are extremely beneficial for better images.
If you base what you do on inaccurate information, you might be unpleasantly surprised by the consequences. Make sure you get the whole photography story from informed sources.
Sometimes it's tough to sort out all the details related to this subject, but I'm positive you'll have no trouble making sense of the information presented above.
Knowing enough about to make solid, informed choices cuts down on the fear factor. If you apply what you've just learned about , you should have nothing to worry about.
Animals Wildlife Photo
KNOW YOUR SUBJECT
Photographing animals, whether your cat at home or a cougar in the great outdoors, requires patience, perseverance and an understanding of animal behaviour so you can predict how they will be likely to act or react, and anticipate the moment for a good photograph.
If you consider an animal's character in the same way you do when photographing people, and try to capture it on film, you won't go far wrong. Make sure you know what you want your images to say about the animal before you start clicking away, and then put your knowledge of composition, lighting and angles to work to get the pictures you want.
YOU ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANY PICTURE
No shot is worth risking your safety when dealing with animals. Stay in the car if there is a bear or a buffalo on the road. A wild animal's reaction to your presence is unpredictable and even if they look so docile you feel you could walk up and pet them, remember, they can hurt and even kill you. Don't ever follow a dangerous animal into the woods because you didn't get its picture. You wouldn't dive into an alligator pool, and for the same reason, you shouldn't follow behind a cougar or a moose. And please don't pet a porcupine.
This is one wild animal you can get fairly close to, but don't touch!
This is one wild animal you can get fairly close to, but don't touch!
People love to be photographed with their pets
People love to be photographed with their pets
PATIENCE
After the word "safety," the next three important words that govern animal photography are patience, patience and patience. Photography is like fishing in this regard. You often have to wait a long time in the right place to catch the best ones.
Patience applies equally when photographing pets and domestic animals. They sometimes seem to have a knack for being uncooperative when you bring out your camera. Keeping calm and taking things one step at a time often helps the animal to relax.
PRACTICE BEFOREHAND
If you are planning your first trip into the wilds to take pictures of the furry, scaled or feathered residents there, it is a good idea to practice first.
The zoo is an ideal place, because you will usually find the same kinds of creatures there. Study their behaviour and you will have an idea of what to expect when you confront them in a natural setting. No zoo nearby? Visit a farm or ranch, and take some pictures of the animals there. It may sound silly if you live in the country, but for someone with absolutely no experience with large animals, a farm is a good place to get your feet wet.
The library and the internet are good places, too. Read up about the specific animals you may come across so you will be armed with knowledge, and of course read our tips under this heading about photographing wild animals.
Those ears tell you you have his full attention
Those ears tell you you have his full attention
The natural camouflage of a fawn makes it hard to spot. (Some people might say it's already spotted.)
The natural camouflage of a fawn makes it hard to spot. (Some people might say it's already spotted.)
TIPS FOR PHOTOGRAPHING ALL KINDS OF ANIMALS
This section deals with more than shooting animals in the wild. There are tips and hints for photographing your pets, shooting at the zoo, making images of insects and other tiny creatures, photographing birds, livestock and so on. We hope you find them informative and useful.
Photographing animals, whether your cat at home or a cougar in the great outdoors, requires patience, perseverance and an understanding of animal behaviour so you can predict how they will be likely to act or react, and anticipate the moment for a good photograph.
If you consider an animal's character in the same way you do when photographing people, and try to capture it on film, you won't go far wrong. Make sure you know what you want your images to say about the animal before you start clicking away, and then put your knowledge of composition, lighting and angles to work to get the pictures you want.
YOU ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANY PICTURE
No shot is worth risking your safety when dealing with animals. Stay in the car if there is a bear or a buffalo on the road. A wild animal's reaction to your presence is unpredictable and even if they look so docile you feel you could walk up and pet them, remember, they can hurt and even kill you. Don't ever follow a dangerous animal into the woods because you didn't get its picture. You wouldn't dive into an alligator pool, and for the same reason, you shouldn't follow behind a cougar or a moose. And please don't pet a porcupine.
This is one wild animal you can get fairly close to, but don't touch!
This is one wild animal you can get fairly close to, but don't touch!
People love to be photographed with their pets
People love to be photographed with their pets
PATIENCE
After the word "safety," the next three important words that govern animal photography are patience, patience and patience. Photography is like fishing in this regard. You often have to wait a long time in the right place to catch the best ones.
Patience applies equally when photographing pets and domestic animals. They sometimes seem to have a knack for being uncooperative when you bring out your camera. Keeping calm and taking things one step at a time often helps the animal to relax.
PRACTICE BEFOREHAND
If you are planning your first trip into the wilds to take pictures of the furry, scaled or feathered residents there, it is a good idea to practice first.
The zoo is an ideal place, because you will usually find the same kinds of creatures there. Study their behaviour and you will have an idea of what to expect when you confront them in a natural setting. No zoo nearby? Visit a farm or ranch, and take some pictures of the animals there. It may sound silly if you live in the country, but for someone with absolutely no experience with large animals, a farm is a good place to get your feet wet.
The library and the internet are good places, too. Read up about the specific animals you may come across so you will be armed with knowledge, and of course read our tips under this heading about photographing wild animals.
Those ears tell you you have his full attention
Those ears tell you you have his full attention
The natural camouflage of a fawn makes it hard to spot. (Some people might say it's already spotted.)
The natural camouflage of a fawn makes it hard to spot. (Some people might say it's already spotted.)
TIPS FOR PHOTOGRAPHING ALL KINDS OF ANIMALS
This section deals with more than shooting animals in the wild. There are tips and hints for photographing your pets, shooting at the zoo, making images of insects and other tiny creatures, photographing birds, livestock and so on. We hope you find them informative and useful.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
